Swami Vivekananda’s statement on freedom, “Freedom is the song of the soul. The goal of each soul is freedom – mastery, freedom from the slavery of matter and thought, mastery of the internal and external,” emphasizes the universal pursuit of liberation.
Seventy-seven years have passed since our nation gained independence, liberating us from the chains of slavery. Conventional emblems of freedom, such as flag-raising, rendition of the national anthem, and the recitation of slogans like “Vande Mataram” and “Jai Hind,” are frequently perceived as demonstrations of our liberty. The sacrifice of many individuals paved the way for liberation from external rule, emphasising the price of the freedoms we cherish. As we commemorate seventy-seven years of independence, it is essential to consider whether our current state aligns with the true freedom envisioned by the martyrs or if we have fallen short of their aspirations.
When we discuss freedom, we often talk about fundamental rights. While political and social independence is frequently praised, we should also consider how individuals see freedom in different parts of their lives, including work. Do most people in our country genuinely understand their fundamental rights, which are meant to protect an undefined essence of freedom? Freedom means being free from outside control. Fundamental rights protect citizens’ freedoms, stop the government from getting involved, and are essential for personal and national development. These rights include freedom of speech, association, individual liberty, living with dignity, and respecting human dignity. The necessity for safeguarding something often stems from the fear of its loss. Do these fundamental rights truly protect our freedom? It is imperative to deliberate on the extent of self-governance inherent within freedom circumscribed by legal statutes.
Are we experiencing limited freedom wrapped in the fundamental rights described as the rights needed for thinking freely? The question arises: What special rights should we be aware of? The Constitution is the mother of freedom, and because of this, we can safeguard our limited freedom under the umbrella of the law. Regarding the right to education, it must guarantee free and compulsory education for children aged six to fourteen. Does this education provide basic literacy, or does it deliver a more comprehensive learning experience? We should be hopeful that a child should receive education up to the eighth standard. It is crucial to strive for more than entry-level jobs or roles as security guards. With seventy-seven years of freedom, having a significant population with only an eighth-grade education is unacceptable. While advocating self-reliance, labelling basic literacy as education is contradictory.
Ignorance is the barrier to the realisation of freedom used as a toolkit in the political system. It is essential to acknowledge and be grateful for the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar, who, through their unique experiences, recognised the potential for freedom. Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa highlighted the significance of freedom for the ordinary person, leading him to focus on improving village life. On the other hand, Dr. Ambedkar’s exposure to discrimination in the USA and Britain emphasised the need for equal rights, thus significantly contributing to establishing our right to equality. For many years, the politicians in state power did not do what visionary leaders did. Instead, they used the population for political gain. They needed to provide well-kept roads, transparent governance, consistent electricity and clean water, good homes, high-quality education for their children, and enough healthcare services. They benefited from their ignorance because they had not seen the possibilities.
We have a common saying that “Divide and Rule” was the policy of the Britishers, but what are today’s politicians doing, dividing on caste and religion? Taking the benefit of their ignorance by providing a package of freebies and cash is the easiest way to remain in power. Improving and elevating their needs will not only do groundwork and dedication. The new slavery system is growing by putting the amount so that their position is always in power.
Everyone needs to have fundamental rights to live a good life with dignity. We need to think about things differently as India grows and aims high. We should add more rights, like the right to social security. Even though we pay many taxes, we still need social security. We also need to make sure people have jobs. Instead of giving money to people without jobs, we should give them an excellent education to support themselves. The urgent need for more rights, like social security, should make us feel the need for immediate social reforms. Social, economic, and political unfairness stop us from being truly free. We need to fix these problems before we can say we are free.